The association between sleep quality and cyberbullying: A moderated mediating model

Objectives: Prior research indicates the influence of sleep quality on bullying. However, the association between cyberbullying and sleep quality calls for further study. The current study examined the relationship between sleep quality and cyberbullying perpetration. Methods: Two hundred participants were recruited in study 1 and self-reported their sleep quality. Ten participants in study 2 underwent normal sleep and sleep deprivation respectively and the order was counterbalanced. Data about cyberbullying, emotion regulation and personality were measured via corresponding scales. Results: Mediation and moderation analysis showed that sleep quality was positively associated with cyberbullying perpetration with the mediation effect of emotion regulation. Meanwhile, personality moderated the impact of sleep quality and cyberbullying perpetration. Conclusion: Findings of the current study suggest that ability of regulating emotion completely mediated the association of sleep quality and cyberbullying perpetration. And the ability to regulate the emotion of people high in agreeableness, conscientiousness, and intellect were more easily influenced by sleep quality. Implication & Application: The findings show the intimate relation between traditional bullying and cyberbullying. And it can help make intervention strategies in school and workplace. Future directions for research on sleep quality and cyberbullying as well as the intervention strategies of cyberbullying are discussed. All rights reserved.